Jesse Larson talks The Voice, Prince and being a new dad

Larson sat down with KARE 11's Kris Laudien at his home in Blaine to talk about his experience on the show, his career now and being a new dad.

Author:
Marisa DeCandido

Published:03/06/18

BLAINE, Minn. -- The blind auditions are underway on Season 14 of The Voice, and while watching, one Minnesotan knows exactly what each contestant is going through.

Jesse Larson was a finalist on Season 12 of the show. He sat down with KARE 11's Kris Laudien at his home in Blaine to talk about his experience on the show, his career now and what he thinks of this season.

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Larson was a member of Team Adam, but that wasn't his first brush with a famous singer. Before going on the show, he worked with Prince, playing guitar and singing backup for Judith Hill.

"Being in his presence every day, it pushes you to a level of performance and concentration that you never thought you'd have," Larson explained.

After Prince's death, the tour with Hill was canceled but Larson wanted to continue his career in music.

"I never really thought about doing the show until an opportunity came my way and my wife talked me into it," he said.

When Larson auditioned for The Voice, the only judge to turn his chair was Adam Levine.

"We get along really well, there was just this unspoken connection," he explained.

This season, Larson said he's already impressed with the talent level.

"The singers that I've seen are pretty incredible," he said. "It's amazing how the show keeps finding that talent."

And he's also impressed with new judge Kelly Clarkson.

"I think the aspect that she brings to the television show versus the others judges is that she's been a contestant in a singing competition, which I think for her gives her an edge as far as how to coach her contestants in a way that maybe the other judges can't," he said.